Shortlist of names for new superintendent of Valdez City Schools announced

A shortlist of candidates to lead Valdez City Schools was announced Tuesday morning by the consulting firm hired by the school district to help aid in its search for a new leader.

Mr. Patrick Mayor of Wrangle is the only Alaskan named after Sunday’s executive session.

Mr. Brad Moore of Big Sandy, Montana and Dr. Randy Trani of Corbett, Oregon rounded out the short list.

On Thursday, the district issued a new press release, announcing that one of the candidates, Moore, withdrew his name from consideration.

“The Valdez City Schools Board of Education announced previously that three candidates would be attending interviews,” the press release said. “ As of January 11, 2018, only two of the selected finalists have accepted the offer to interview for the position of superintendent.”

Stakeholder will also have a say in vetting the candidates.

“Numerous stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to meet the final candidates and submit input to the board about each of them,” said a press release issued by the contractor, McPherson & Jacobson.

The current superintendent, Jim Nygaard is retiring after a 40-year career in education. He has served in Valdez for four years and was seen as a uniting force in the district.

Nygaard came to Valdez as an interim superintendent –and later signed on to lead the district forward through 2018.

“The consultants reviewed, screened, and conducted extensive background checks on 28 applicants. On January 7, 2018, the consultants presented the applicants to the Board of Education and provided them detailed background information on each applicant,” the company said. “The board selected three candidates as finalists. After the superintendent has been hired, Dr. Thomas Jacobson will facilitate a Board/Superintendent workshop to assist in the establishment of performance objectives for the new superintendent.”